Photography by Conor Ashleigh from photo series 'Plight of the Penan'.

Newcastle is host to a number of amazing artists, and over the next few weeks some will be showcasing their work – don’t miss your chance to check them out. From documentary photography by Conor Ashleigh, artworks created by staff at Newcastle Art School and the iconic works of Shay Docking, there’s plenty to keep you inspired.

Our World Unseen

Lovett Gallery, Newcastle LibraryLaman Street
Newcastle, NSW 2300

Opening at 5.30pm on Friday 17th February, and running until Saturday 24th March, Our World Unseen is an exhibition put together by Conor Ashleigh showcasing his unique experiences throughout Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Conor is a documentary photographer and multimedia storyteller, and has worked on a number of commissioned projects as well as international projects for NGO’s. The exhibition will be opened by Robert McFarlane, a well-established and influential Australian photographer, and held in the Lovett Gallery in Newcastle Library. The following morning, Saturday 18th between 10-11.30am, Robert will be joining Conor to further discuss his exhibition, as well as the art of documentary photography. Don’t miss out on this unique event! For more information on Conor and his work, visit his website.

Hot House

Newcastle Art School582 Hunter Street
Newcastle West, NSW 2302

Running from Tuesday 21st February until Friday 9th March, artworks completed by the staff of Newcastle Art School will be showcased in the Front Room Gallery at the Newcastle Art School. Don’t miss out on the official opening of the exhibition at 5.30pm on the 22nd February! Opening hours are 11am-5pm Tuesday-Friday and noon-4pm Saturday.

Shay Docking – Works from Newcastle Collections

Newcastle Art Gallery1 Laman Street
Newcastle, NSW 2300

Between the 18th February and the 15th April, Newcastle Art Gallery is hosting an exhibiton of paintings and drawings created by Shay Docking (1928-1998), one of Australia’s most influential landscape artists. Both intimate drawings and popular paintings from her time in Newcastle will be showcased, with guided tours taking place between 11am-12pm on Saturday and Sunday free of charge. At 6pm on Friday the 23rd March there will be a reminiscent Exhibition Talk hosted by Gil Docking, Shay Docking’s husband, along with the Art Gallery Foundation Committee’s Gael Davies and Director Ron Ramsey. To make a booking call 02 4974 5114 or visit the Newcastle Art Gallery website.

Anja is a 3rd year student at the University of Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Communication (majoring in Public Relations and Media Studies). She has interned at InStyle Magazine, worked on the committee for Newcastle Fashion Week and is an intern at Sticky. She also spent 5 months studying in Manchester and backpacking around Europe.

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